Common mistakes Vietnamese people make when getting braces.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Experts warn that many people still make common mistakes that lead to unsatisfactory results from braces, or even complications.

Improper oral hygiene

Dr. Nguyen Minh from Tam Dentist Dental System stated that wearing orthodontic appliances makes oral hygiene more complicated. Without proper care, food can easily get trapped, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, or gum hypertrophy.

These problems not only affect oral health but also disrupt the orthodontic treatment process.

According to Dr. Minh, people with braces need to follow their dentist's oral hygiene instructions. Brush your teeth at least three times a day. Note that the number of times you brush your teeth each day is not as important as brushing correctly and using the right toothbrush.

Brush your teeth after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush, brushing thoroughly around the braces at a 45-degree angle (Photo: Getty).

People with braces need to use interdental brushes, dental floss, or water flossers to clean hard-to-reach areas. Rinsing with saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash helps reduce the risk of infection.

Incorrect chewing technique

Diet also directly affects the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. According to experts, eating foods that are too hard or chewy, or drinking beverages that are too hot, can dislodge brackets, deform archwires, and interrupt treatment.

A study by the University of Michigan showed that patients who maintained a diet rich in protein and soft vegetables and limited sticky sugary foods had a 30% lower rate of bracket breakage compared to those with uncontrolled eating habits.

This demonstrates the important role of diet in the orthodontic treatment process.

However, many people with braces tend to avoid chewing, so they only eat liquid and soft foods, eating less, which leads to less activity of the chewing muscles and weight loss, causing sunken cheeks.

Therefore, it's important to chew frequently, eat a variety of foods (except tendons, cartilage, and bones), and avoid excessive dieting that can lead to a sunken face.

It is recommended to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods such as porridge, soup, rice with vegetables, finely chopped meat and fish, and yogurt, especially in the initial period when you are not yet used to braces (Photo: Getty).

Do not wear intermaxillary elastics or retainers.

Intermaxillary elastics play a crucial role in correcting bite alignment, but many people ignore them because they find them cumbersome. Similarly, after braces are removed, if retainers are not worn as prescribed, teeth can easily shift back into place, undoing the results of years of orthodontic treatment.

A study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics confirmed that 80% of patients who did not wear retainers as prescribed experienced tooth shifting again within two years. Therefore, retainers are considered the "last line of defense" protecting orthodontic results.

Choosing the wrong doctor

Another mistake is believing in "cheap" advertisements or choosing an inexperienced dentist. An inappropriate treatment plan can cause teeth to move in the wrong direction, misalign the bite, and even damage the gums and tooth roots.

A 2020 report by the World Orthodontic Federation (WFO) revealed that 30% of failed orthodontic treatments are related to treatment at facilities lacking sufficient expertise. Therefore, choosing a reputable dental clinic with certified and experienced dentists is crucial.

According to Dr. Nguyen Minh, it is advisable to choose a reputable dental clinic with highly qualified and experienced dentists (Photo: Provided by the doctor).

Skip your follow-up appointment.

Orthodontic treatment (braces) typically lasts from one to three years, depending on the condition of the teeth. However, many people skip appointments due to busy schedules or impatience when they don't see noticeable results. This prevents the dentist from adjusting the force of the braces in a timely manner, slowing down or distorting the tooth movement process.

A study by the University of Tokyo (2019) that followed more than 500 orthodontic patients showed that those who adhered to their appointments had a success rate of over 90%, while the group who missed more than 3 follow-up appointments risked prolonging their treatment time by an additional 8-12 months.

The orthodontic journey requires patience and strict adherence to the doctor's instructions; otherwise, the treatment time will not be prolonged and the desired results will be achieved.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/sai-lam-khi-nieng-rang-nhieu-nguoi-viet-mac-phai-20250822133407329.htm